Jeremy Corbyn reshuffles shadow cabinet

U.K. Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn made minimal changes to his shadow cabinet Wednesday, notably bringing former rival Owen Smith back into the fold as Northern Ireland secretary, the Guardian reported.

Smith, who challenged Corbyn for the Labour leadership last year, was one of four new appointees.

Newly elected MP Lesley Laird is the new shadow Scottish secretary. The Scottish and Northern Ireland secretary roles were previously combined and held by Dave Anderson, who left parliament.

Corbyn's campaign manager Andrew Gwynne also joined cabinet, taking on the role of shadow communities and local government secretary. Dawn Butler will return as shadow minister for diverse communities.

"I look forward to working with the strengthened shadow cabinet as we prepare a government in waiting to carry out our manifesto for the many not the few," Corbyn said, according to the BBC.

Corbyn also named Ian Lavery, Gwynne's co-campaign manager, the new Labour Party chairman, stripping deputy leader Tom Watson of the role.